At last the Rabbi rises, and proves wiser than we have expected; wise enough to be also wily. He begins with a touch of humour; we smile, are caught off our guard, and for a few moments (it was all he needed) he has captured our attention. Here is the thread of his remarks: _Commend not a man for his beauty, And abhor not a man for an ugly appearance._[129] _Be willing to listen to every godly discourse, And let not the proverbs of understanding escape thee. If thou seest a man of Wisdom get thee betimes unto him, And let thy foot wear out the steps of his doors._[130] But, _Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour’s house, Lest he be weary of thee and hate thee_.[131] _Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou be like unto him._[132] _He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him._[133] _Learn before thou speak; and have a care of thy health, Or ever thou be sick._[134] _Prepare thy work without and make it ready for thee in the field; and afterwards build thine house._[135] _Hast spoiled thy work? Take a needle and sew._[136] _Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth._[137] _Change not a friend for the sake of profit, Neither a true brother for the gold of Ophir._[138] _Laugh not a man to scorn when he is in the bitterness of his soul; for there is one who humbleth and exalteth._[139] _Reproach not a man when he turneth from sin; Remember we are all worthy of punishment. Dishonour not a man in his old age; For some of us also are waxing old. Rejoice not over one that is dead; Remember that we die all._[140] _Do no evil, so shall no evil overtake thee; Depart from wrong, and it shall turn aside from thee. My son, sow not the furrows of unrighteousness, And thou shalt not reap it sevenfold._[141] _Be not thou envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them, for their heart studieth oppression and their lips talk of mischief._[142] _Let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long; for surely there is a reward and thy hope shall not be cut off._[143] _Say not thou, “It is through the Lord that I fell away: for that which He hateth He made not.” Say not thou, “It is He that caused me to err, for He hath no need of a sinful man.”_[144] _Say not, He will look upon the multitude of my gifts, and when I offer to the Most High God He will accept it._[145] _Keep thy heart with all vigilance, For that is the way to life._[146] _Be not faint-hearted in thy prayer, And neglect not to give alms._[147] _Commit thy ways unto the Lord, And thy purposes shall be established._[148]